7:57 PM,
Nov. 14, 2012

Loading Photo Galleries ...

Written by

Lyn Dowling
| For FLORIDA TODAY

There's the one about the woman who, when he came to her door, was too sick to rouse from sleep, but who left a note asking "Dart's Mommy" to please wake her up next time he visits. There are the ones about drawing smiles from people so weak they can scarcely move in bed. There are the ones about the workers for whom his happy face brings a little lightness, a little relief from the pressures and concerns that go along with being health care professionals.

Big, gentle-eyed, glossy black Dart is a "facilitator," a therapy dog that gets in the car two or ...